“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be an artist and have a family.”
– Artists Raising Kids survey response
I make art. I raise kids.
I wanted to talk with more artist parents. How do you make it work? What’s important? What’s hard?
“There’s no necessary conflict between kids and work; I think it’s a
false choice. The way I am with my child should be the way I am
with my work – attentive, responsive and sensitive.”
Last year, Artists U surveyed 130 artist parents around the country, and interviewed a bunch more in-depth. We hosted a community workshop/conversation in Philadelphia.
And I learned a lot.
“Having children will inspire you but it will also impact your time and
your freedom. Your art will be better in many ways because you
are clearer on the sacrifices required – you won’t bullshit as much
because the costs of being away from your children are too high.”
You can read the results in our Artists Raising Kids Compendium
We are hosting a free workshop/discussion for artist parents in Baltimore (and artists thinking about raising kids).
Artists Raising Kids LINK
Sunday, June 8, 2:00-5:00 pm
Baltimore American Indian Center
113 S. Broadway (between Pratt and Lombard)
Baltimore, MD 21231
Childcare and snacks provided.
RSVP: [email protected]
“Relax. You know how to do this. Get a dog first.”
* Author Andrew Simonet is the Founder and Director of Artists U. He founded Artists U in Philadelphia in 2006. He was, from 1993 to 2013, a founding co-director and choreographer of Philadelphia’sHeadlong Dance Theater, along with his collaborators Amy Smith and David Brick.
** Artists U/ Baltimore is a program of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA). GBCA was founded in 2002 as an independent, non-profit voice for the cultural sector in Baltimore City and its five surrounding counties. GBCA’s 300 members include arts, cultural, history and heritage organizations as well as attractions, universities and individual artists. GBCA strengthens and draws attention to the many contributions of the region’s vibrant cultural community by providing funding, professional development, promotion, advocacy and thought leadership.
